Black Like Me Theme of Identity

In the words of some dead old Danish windbag, "to thine own self be true." But that's just the problem. Who is John Howard Griffin?

Well, we know he's a nice enough guy and a dedicated family man. But in Black Like Me, Griffin's sense of identity overgoes a makeover as complete as his fantastical skin-darkening treatment. By the book's end he—and much of the world— is left wondering: how much of racial identity has to do with nature (quick answer: none) and how much does it have to do with nurture (quick answer: lots)?

1. Which characters in Black Like Me struggle with their identity? Why?
2. Would you agree with Griffin that he is wholly, partially, or essentially black? Why or why not?
3. When Griffin returns to being a white man, is his identity the same as it was before the start of the experiment? How or how not? Why or why not?
4. Does location have anything to do with identity in Black Like Me? For example, is Griffin the same man in Louisiana as he is in Alabama? What about if he went to Paris?

Identity in Black Like Me is unchangeable. You may have new experiences, but your core stays the same.

Identity in Black Like Me is whatever you claim or want it to be, even if you made it all up.